ATC SCM 40 question
Hi,
I recently bought a pair of ATC SCM40 speakers. I have them placed in a room approx 12ft sq. They are on the back wall, seating on opposite side. I can't move the speakers into the room or move the chairs into the room as I barely got away with buying these and can't encrouch any further, the missus was not happy at the size of them!
Anyway, they sound pretty incredible a lot of the time, but I've noticed on some recordings, not necessarily bad ones, just they can come across a little shrill and sharp, like the highs are overheated somehow.
I'm driving them with a PS Audio S300 Poweramp, that is being controlled by an RME ADI 2 DAC.
I've tried messing with the dsp settings on the RME but I just can't seem to ease the issue.
My question is, does this seem like an equipment issue? Or maybe a cable issue?
I don't want to end up spending serious cash upgrading the amp or dac if that is not the problem. But I know the SCM40's need a lot of juice and the S300 only has 140w per channel, and the recommended is 150w. Or is that just a top end volume concern? I'm already looking at the Hegel H20, I can't get the ATC poweramp as I don't have the space for it.
Also I was looking at the Anthem STR Preamp. Something that might calibrate the sound better for the room. Maybe a cable upgrade?
Anyway, these are just my rambling thoughts on an ongoing issue, any advice at all would be much appreciated. I really want to solve this as when these speakers sing, they really sing!
Thanks
M
I'm looking at possible warmer options along the chain. Maybe the Phasure series, both XLR interconnects and lush 3 usb will do the trick. I'm intrigued by the flexibility to change the characteristics. I do love the ATC's. I've owned a pair of SCM11's in my work studio for the past year. Wonderful nearfield speakers. |
Thanks for the replies everyone! @jerrybj Yeah I was in the doghouse for a while. I went with the forgiveness over permission tactic, just about worked! To answer the questions: Brand new SCM40's. I've had them for about four weeks now. I listen everyday but have not done any specific 'burn in' process. Chord Shawline X Speaker Cable Chord Shawline Analogue XLR Cable Supra USB Cable I'm sorry to hear the RME might be inadequate, I had thought it a perfect solution and would leave the PS Audio S300 to do all the work. So the preamp is still important even with a power amp in the chain? That leaves me in a quandry as I've got space constraints. The preamp can not be taller than 12 cm, and must also incorporate a high end DAC. Any recommends would be appreciated. I thought about the Anthem STR but I'm a bit put off by the dac chip apparently not being the best. As I say, this system is almost perfection, with the right recording that doesn't tickle the high end too much, the speakers sound unbelievable. Stick on a bit of Gordon Lightfoot, beautiful.
I'm steering towards the Sablon 2020 usb cable but fear it mightt be overkill.
|
I agree with the above sentiment, I almost feel obliged to upgrade the rest of the chain now to give the speakers a fair shout. They feel like the one piece of a equipment I own that is, to quote Tom from Succession: "The bottom of the top" With that in mind I’m thinking of maybe upgrading the Dac/Preamp from the RME to the HoloAudio – Spring 3 DAC Level 2.
|
